U.S. patent application number 10/993871 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-25 for hand worn illuminated framework.
Invention is credited to John S. Ferrari, Dale C. Sommers.
Application Number | 20060109645 10/993871 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36460737 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060109645 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ferrari; John S. ; et
al. |
May 25, 2006 |
Hand worn illuminated framework
Abstract
For hand signal enhancement, a reversible, flexible illuminated
framework, for wearing upon the human hand or over gloves.
Emanating from a wrist cuff, the framework comprises four or more
rope light type LED illumination elements, that provide constant
on, flashing, or sequential illumination, a battery pack upon the
wrist cuff, an index finger mounted switch unit; the rope light is
capable of various color illumination through use of waterproofed
colored or clear translucent sheaths, the light elements are
connected together with a web strap midway along the length of the
light elements; fabric fingertip caps terminate the light elements
and hold the light elements inline with the fingers of the hand; a
Velcro band upon the light elements at the first finger joint of
the index and the ring fingers keeps the lighting elements from
rotating upon the fingers during use.
Inventors: |
Ferrari; John S.;
(Littleton, CO) ; Sommers; Dale C.; (Northglenn,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John S. Ferrari
6642 West Ida Drive # 224
Littleton
CO
80123
US
|
Family ID: |
36460737 |
Appl. No.: |
10/993871 |
Filed: |
November 22, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/103 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08B 5/004 20130101;
A41D 19/0157 20130101; Y10S 362/80 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/103 |
International
Class: |
F21V 21/08 20060101
F21V021/08 |
Claims
1. The light emitting flexible framework worn upon the hand or over
a glove, comprising: A hand sized reversible flexible body for
wearing upon the human hand, having an exterior surface, a wrist
cuff, and four fingers, four said fingers extend from the
fingertips towards termination at the wrist cuff of the flexible
body, and said exterior surface is selected from the group
consisting of rubber, neoprene, plastics or vinyl; and a series of
removable replaceable clear translucent waterproofed tubular
sheaths forming said flexible body exterior surface, comprising the
four finger portions of said flexible body, the four finger
portions extend the full length of the index, middle, ring, and
pinkie fingers of the human hand, said finger portions extend fully
onto the backhand portion of said human hand, terminating at the
wrist cuff of said flexible body at a battery enclosure; and a
selectively releasable hook and loop type fastening band for
securing said sheaths onto the human index, middle, ring, and
pinkie fingers; and a flexible fabric fingertip receptacle cap
attached to the fingertip termination end of each said translucent
sheath; and a watertight closure at the fingertip termination and
wrist termination ends of each said translucent sheath; and a
supportive, semi rigid web strap having surface mounted separator
channel clips to locate and hold said individual sheaths spaced one
apart from another, said web strap is selectively positioned upon
the central backhand portion of said flexible body, above said
wrist cuff, and below said fastening bands; and a set of releasable
inline rope light illumination elements, residing within said
sheaths on the flexible body; said illumination elements extend the
full length of each individual sheath, said illumination elements
comprise an inline array of light emitting diodes integrally
assembled as a unit; and a detachable battery enclosure for
containing multiple miniature batteries, and a microprocessor
circuit, mounted to the wrist cuff of said flexible body, said
battery enclosure is electrically connected with said rope light
illuminators via flexible wiring; and a pressure-sensitive
waterproof multi function micro switch attached to the thumb-side
surface of the forefinger of said flexible body, to operate said
illumination elements, said switch communicates with said
detachable battery case via flexible wiring.
2. The flexible body as described in claim 1, wherein said tubular
translucent sheaths are colored.
3. The flexible body as described in claim 1, wherein said battery
enclosure is enlarged in capacity and has output ports for the
insertion of supplementary illumination elements.
4. The flexible body as described in claim 1, wherein the fingertip
caps are sewn one to another together, forming a mitten shape.
5. The flexible body as described in claim 1, wherein the flexible
body has an enhanced waterproofed exterior surface and battery
closures, suitable for use in submarine environments.
6. The flexible body described in claim 1, wherein the rope light
elements are specifically programmed in display capability to aid
aircraft ground operations personnel in providing gate approach or
departure signals.
7. The flexible body described in claim 1, which is detachably
mounted to a hand worn glove.
8. The flexible body described in claim 1, with size and proportion
for wearing and use upon the human foot.
9. The flexible body described in claim 1, wherein fiber optic
structural components serve as said illumination elements.
10. The flexible body described in claim 1, wherein said battery
enclosure is modified to contain 4 or more LED type light elements
within the enclosure.
11. The flexible body described in claim 1, wherein said battery
enclosure is modified to accept a removable transparent colored
window at the wrist termination end of said lighting elements.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to gloves using illuminative
technology such as light accessories, generally including signaling
devices, and more particularly to illuminated signaling gloves and
the like.
[0002] The present invention is a reversible flexible framework for
wearing by itself upon the hand, and is an improved light emitting
apparatus preferably for use in connection with the presentation of
motor vehicle operator hand signals in poorly lit, dark or low
visibility conditions. This light emitting framework has particular
utility in connection with providing enhanced motor vehicle
operator hand signals for use by motorcyclists, bicyclists and so
forth.
[0003] Hand worn light emitting devices are also useful for
providing a source of light under poorly lit or dark conditions and
to visibly communicate ocean diving directional signals in scuba
diving applications. A useful benefit in this field of the present
invention is that the diver wearing the illuminated framework can
be seen more clearly from a distance during periods of low
visibility, enhancing safety.
[0004] The use of hand-held, color-hooded flashlights is presently
the common method for ground crews to direct parking aircraft,
especially at night. With the present invention utilized by the
ground crews in conjunction with those flashlights, an enhanced
signaling method shall be obtained.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In the past, traffic-control and signaling personnel
generally relied upon their own body movements in conjunction with
the use of hand-held flashlights or hand-held signs to signal
others and direct traffic. For example, the person's hand and arm
movements in conjunction with the flashlights or signs could be
used to direct oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, etc. to
stop, turn a specified direction or to proceed in their present
direction.
[0006] Using hand coverings such as gloves with illuminator
accessories is well known in the prior art. An example, U.S. Pat.
No. 3,638,011 to Bain et al. discloses a hand glove and light
signal attachment controlled by a wrist-mounted switch. The Bain
patent does not allow the user to operate the switch
single-handedly with the hand while wearing the glove, and provides
a singular light signal attachment.
[0007] The alarm and entertaining glove depicted in U.S. Pat. No.
5,177,467 to Chung-Piao provides a plurality of illuminators, each
singularly mounted upon the finger portions of a glove.
Additionally, an audio alarm function is present. A switch closes
the circuit to activate the functions only if the thumb and
forefinger are continuously held together. An additional glove
identifies U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,105 to Koenen Myers et al. that
provides for a work glove with a centralized light source, which is
fed through fiber optics to the finger end. The Myers et al. patent
does not include provision for a multiple lamp array, nor an
onboard power supply.
[0008] Continuing, the apparatus shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,154
to Coulter et al. illustrates a phosphorescent glove with the
ability to have a child represent a fictional cartoon character.
The apparatus has an illuminator contained within a ring upon the
glove finger, and a switch activator provided upon the palm of the
glove. The apparatus disclosed within Coulter et al draws primarily
upon the phosphorescent ability of the glove coating for
illumination.
[0009] A prior attempt to improve on this situation provides a
glove that includes an equilateral triangle formed from a
reflective material on the palm and back of the glove The gloves
have been used for traffic-direction purposes because the upwardly
oriented triangles can be used for signaling when the user points
the hand to the side, in which case the tip of the triangle points
in the direction of the user's fingers and indicates to others that
they should proceed in the indicated direction. Similarly, when the
user's hand is pointed so the palm faces others, the red, upwardly
oriented triangle indicates that they should stop.
[0010] That art is depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,357 to Mead,
which provides for a signaling glove with light reflective portions
in geometric designs mounted upon the backhand portion of the
glove, finger portions, and the palm portion. A separate light
emitter is adaptable to illuminate the central triangular geometric
design and the palm reflective portion. The triangular geometric
design is oriented to have one point directed toward the finger
portion of the glove. The glove of Mead relies substantially upon
the reflective patches applied to the glove body.
[0011] Another glove apparatus illustrated by U.S. Pat. No.
6,592,235 to Mayo attaches singular light emitting units upon each
fingertip of a glove. A thumb mounted switch and on board battery
are present. No provision is allowed for sequential illumination of
the light emitting units in a directional fashion.
[0012] Additionally, shown in U.S. Pat. No. D369, 309 to Marbach is
the reflective traffic safety glove which has no illuminative
accessory, and simply reflects light presented upon its
surface.
[0013] While the above-described devices fulfill their respective
objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not
describe a hand wearable, reversible rope light type light emitting
flexible framework that provides single-handed activation for the
illumination function, and these prior devices make no provision
for turning the light source on and off single handedly with the
hand wearing the framework attachment.
[0014] These modified glove structures have taught useful
accessories, in particular glove structures with light accessories,
however, the modified glove structures have not found commercial
success A missing ingredient in those modified glove structures is
a presentation that generates appeal and understandability while
providing durability and functionality in the desired use.
[0015] Therefore, it is anticipated that a need exists for a new
and improved hand wearable multiple element light emitting
apparatus that can provide single-handed activation and
illumination, while enhancing the presentation of motor vehicle
hand signals.
[0016] Previously disclosed under the Disclosure Document Program,
Sep. 28, 2003 identified as No. 539,271 in the U.S. Patent Office,
the present invention substantially fulfills this need. The present
invention further departs from the conventional concepts and
designs of the prior art by the provision of a reversible, hand
worn flexible framework, and a multi element lighting component
which presents a sequential lamp display ability across the
combined hand and finger length, and in doing so provides a
superior illumination apparatus primarily developed for providing
an enhanced motor vehicle operator safety accessory.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] In summary, motorcycle riders and traffic control personnel
need to be more visible at night when hand signals are used to
notify and control vehicular traffic. When the present invention is
actively worn by riders of motorcycles, scooters, or bicycles, the
optical display alerts the traffic in the vicinity of the bike,
especially at night, when the rider of the bike may not be
otherwise visible. Accordingly, the present invention provides for
a light weight signaling device adapted for use by bikers to
reliably enhance hand signal effects in both daylight and at
night.
[0018] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a
hand worn flexible framework including a plurality of rope light
style illuminators primarily serving as the flexible framework
itself, which are electrically connected to a driving circuit
secured on a wrist cuff, and a switch on the surface of the index
finger, electrically connected to the driving circuit, and a
detachable battery array secured upon the wrist cuff, whereby upon
touching of the wearer's index finger with the thumb, the switch
will be actuated to activate the illuminators for the optical
presentation of enhanced motor vehicle hand signals.
[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
modified hand worn illuminator having differential colored
translucent sheaths, which contain and waterproof the light
emitting elements, and easily provide for application of differing
coloration for the light emitting elements. It is therefore an
object of the present invention to provide a new and improved hand
worn multi-color light emitting apparatus that has advantages over
the prior art illuminators.
[0020] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
hand worn light-emitting apparatus that permits the user to turn
the light source on and off with the hand wearing the apparatus,
thereby enhancing utility. A further object of the present
invention is to provide a light-emitting apparatus for providing
illuminated hand signal presentation for use underwater. This makes
it possible for a diver to signal directional intent which can be
seen easily under low light conditions, thereby enhancing the
wearer's safety.
[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a hand
worn light-emitting framework for providing color choice
illuminated hand signal presentation for use by air traffic ground
control personnel. This makes it possible for a ground control
member to signal directional intent to an approaching parking
aircraft, which can be seen easily under low light conditions, and
at further distances thereby enhancing air travel safety.
[0022] An object of the present invention is to provide a hand worn
light-emitting framework for providing illuminated hand signal
presentation for use during night skiing. This makes it possible
for a skier to signal directional intent, which can be seen easily
under low light conditions, thereby enhancing user and nearby skier
safety.
[0023] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of gloves with illuminator assemblies now present in the
prior art, the present invention provides an improved hand worn
light emitting framework, and overcomes the above-mentioned
disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. As such, the general
purpose of the present framework illuminator, has many novel
features that result in a hand worn light emitting framework
apparatus which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or
even implied by the prior art, either alone or in any combination
thereof.
[0024] Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of
current embodiments of the present invention when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings. This invention is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out
in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology employed
herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be
regarded as limiting.
[0025] These together with other objects of the invention, along
with the various features of novelty that characterize the
invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed
to and forming a part of this disclosure
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a top view showing the wearer's hand, having
finger bands and wrist cuff attached, batteries included.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a top view of the wearer's hand, showing placement
of the web strap and clip channels, introducing the fingertip
caps.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a top view of the wearer's hand, showing the
flexible wiring, LED bulbs, the switch, the battery carrier, and
the wrist cuff.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a top view of the flexible framework, depicting
all the components.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a top view of the flexible framework FIG. 6 is a
cross section of the tubular sheath, showing the rope light, and
LED bulbs.
[0031] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the entire framework, showing
all components
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0032] The present invention is herein embodied as a vehicle
operator safety improvement, which allows primarily for
motorcyclists or bicyclists to be seen more readily at night and to
better inform nearby motorists with hand signals day or night.
[0033] A hand worn flexible framework signaling apparatus
constructed according to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention is shown in Drawings FIGS. 1-4. Framework 1, is normally
worn on a user's hand like a conventional glove, or over a glove.
The framework 1 extends the length of the backside or palm of the
user's hand when the framework 1 is normally worn, and extends the
full length of the wearer's fingers 2, atop and inline with each of
the four main fingers 2 of the wearer's hand. The framework 1
elements emanate from the wearer's wrist, at the cuff 15. The
framework 1 is terminated with flexible fabric fingertip portions 4
that snugly engage and cover the wearer's index, middle, ring, and
pinkie fingertips.
[0034] The present safety improvement consists of the flexible
illuminated tubular framework 1 elements including the four finger
portions and a the fingertip caps 4. The framework 1 has a semi
rigid releasable web strap 5 which spaces apart, supports, locates
and serves to connect all four framework fingers of the framework
1. Four separate clip channels 6 hold the sheath 7 portions atop
the web strap 5. A Velcro type finger band 3 is located at the
first finger joint of the wearer's index, middle, and ring fingers.
The finger bands 3 serve to prevent sheath 7 and switch 11 rotation
upon the wearer's fingers 2.
[0035] The flexible framework portion of the present invention is
essentially comprised of the combination of a flexible waterproofed
translucent tubular sheath 7, and the multi-bulb LED 9 lighting
rope 8, contained within the sheath 7.
[0036] The LED 9 optical display activation is controlled through a
microchip controller 10 as necessary. A multi-function miniature
switch 11 paired with the microchip 10 provide either on/off or
sequential illumination operational modes as is known in the art.
The preferred color of the LED bulb 9 array is white, with the
flexible translucent sheath 7 bearing a red color throughout,
although other flexible sheath colors may be used, including clear,
yellow, green, orange, and the like, and segments of differing
colors may be employed as necessary. ((Alternatively, a singular
LED contained within the battery enclosure could serve to
illuminate a light guide such as the common fiber optic cable, of
varying diameters.)) The rope light 8 is presented on the wearer's
four fingers 2 and extends the entire length of each finger 2, and
further extends substantially the entire length of the backhand
portion of the framework upon the wearer's hand, inline with the
wearer's finger 2. All four of the rope lights 8 terminate at the
wrist cuff 5 of the framework 1, where they interface with the
control bus 12. Preferably, the lighting elements are powered by
four digital watch batteries 13 that reside in tandem, within a
flexible pack type carrier 14. The carrier 14 is velcro applied to
the wrist cuff 15 of the framework 1, providing a reliable, easily
accessed energy source which is selectively removable, to provide
power for the rope lights 8. It provides the wrist cuff 15
attachment point for the sheath 7 elements and rope lights 8 which
comprise the framework 1.
[0037] The switch 11 is in the form of a pushbutton type
on/sequential/off switch 11 attached to the wearer's index finger 2
part of the framework 1. The switch 11 is electrically connected
with the battery carrier 14, batteries 13, and rope lights 8 via
flexible wires 16.
[0038] The miniature switch 11 is ideally located within easy user
thumb reach, and is located below the second finger joint upon the
index finger of the framework 1, for easy access. A single push on
the switch 11 turns the rope lighting 8 array continuously on, and
a second push turns the rope lighting 8 array to flashing mode. A
third push on the switch 11 turns on sequential mode, and the
fourth push deactivates the unit, an operation that is accomplished
quickly and easily by the wearer. The preferred sequence of
sequential mode illumination begins with simultaneous illumination
of all singular LED 9 bulbs nearest the wrist cuff 15, then
proceeds to simultaneously light the next inline individual LED 9
bulb, then the next, along the length of the wearer's backhand and
along the wearer's finger 2 until finger 2 tip termination, at
which time this sequence repeats, or until the rope light 8 array
display function is cancelled at the switch 11. The switch 11 may
be modified by those skilled in the art, so as to provide functions
not yet herein described.
[0039] Although the primary use for such a hand worn illuminated
signal framework 1 is for hand signal purposes for use on
motorcycles and bicycles, it is foreseen that the framework 1 could
have utility in areas such as: aircraft signal corps; police and
traffic direction; emergency signal use for roadside motorist use;
marine or pleasure boating signal use; ocean or scuba diving hand
signal use; map reading or other flashlight type use (when in
continuous light mode); night skiing and other recreational,
military and civilian uses, including those uses which may require
the simultaneous use of two or more framework 1 units on either
hand, facial side or backhand.
[0040] In some applications, it may be desirable for to have a
configuration that is directed for a specific purpose or to
indicate a speciaI signal to others, such as to stop, slow, perform
a specific act, etc. This signaling capacity may be increased by
the varying sheath 7 transparency or translucency, and including
patterns or symbols screened onto the sheath 7 elements. The rope
lighting 8 array, flexible translucent tubular sheaths 7, the
microchip controller 10, the switch 11 element, and the battery
carrier 14 are all replaceable for economical use, and user
preference. For example, if the framework 1 is damaged, the
individual translucent sheath 7 elements of the framework 1 can be
replaced, and the sheath 7 color can be changed, segmented or
customized to suit a specific display requirement. Further, the
fingertip cap 4 closure, the web strap 5, and the finger bands 3,
are replaceable.
[0041] While a current embodiment of the hand worn light-emitting
framework has been shown and described here in detail, it is
recognized that departures can be made, to include variations in
hand size, framework materials, shape, form, function and manner of
operation, assembly and use, using fiber optic technology for
illumination, all reside within the scope of the invention, and
that some modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of
which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *